UNI101Y1 Chapter 4: Ch4 Variation in the Environment7.pdf
16 Feb 2013
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Document Summary
The primary global patterns in climate result from unequal solar heating. Positions of continental landmasses also affect temp. and precipitation. More rain in southern hemisphere because there are more oceans and lakes there. 81% compared to that of 61% in nh. Water evaporates more readily from exposed water surfaces than from soil and plants interior of continents experience less precipitation than the coasts. Coastal (maritime) climates vary less than interior (continental) climates b/c heat storage capacity of ocean water reduces temp. fluctuations near the coast. Global wind patterns interact with features of the landscape to create precipitation. Air cools and loses moisture as precipitation on windward side of mountain. Dry air descends leeward slope, travels across the lowlands picking up moisture and creating arid environments called rraaiinn sshhaaddoowwss. Panama (10 n) in the northern tropics experiences a dry, windy winter (due to trade winds) and a humid, rainy summer (due to the intertropical convergence)
